Youth crime figures down (From Stroud News and Journal)

Youth crime figures down

police in Stonehouse have hailed the town's dispersal order as a major success - but say the hard work must continue.

Reports of vandalism have fallen since the order was introduced a month ago to combat a rise in loutish behaviour.

The news was revealed by Sgt Alistair Hammett, of Stonehouse police, at Wednesday's annual town meeting.

"The dispersal order has had a dramatic effect," he said.

"Before, we had been finding young people gathering in groups of 40 or 50 but this order has allowed police to move them on."

In March, police received more than 60 reports of vandalism - but that figure dropped to just 43 for April.

The dispersal order, which runs for another month, gives police the power to break-up unruly gangs of youths.

Police patrols have also been stepped up in the evenings.

Sgt Hammett said the dispersal order - the first in the Five Valleys - had had a powerful deterrent effect.

In fact no one has actually been arrested for breaking the terms of the legislation.

"We have seen it as a chance to approach the youngsters and educate them," said Sgt Hammett.

"I think our figures will continue to fall in May too."

He did, however, sound a note of caution by adding that there was still work to be done to reduce night-time disorder.

Last year, police received only 40 reports of criminal damage for March and April combined.

When plans for the dispersal order were announced in March, Jeremy Elliot, owner of the Londis shop on the Park Estate told the SNJ how intimidating groups of teenagers were keeping customers away by loitering outside the store.

He believes the situation has since improved.

"The good work seems to be paying dividends at the moment," said Mr Elliot, 43.

"There are still a few problems on Friday and Saturday nights but police are moving people on.

"It's a bit early to say if it's definitely having an effect on customers but things certainly seem a little better.

"There's still work to be done and part of the problem is that they have nowhere to go."

Town mayor Mattie Ross welcomed the police figures.

"If having more police in the town is having an effect I am delighted," she said.

"It's really good that crime is down and if people feel safer to walk around then it's great."